The Ghana Chamber of Mines has officially introduced its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, signaling a renewed commitment to sustainable mining, transparency, and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
The appointment comes at a critical time as Ghana continues to confront the environmental and economic challenges posed by illegal mining and unsustainable practices in the sector.
Dr. Ashigbey, a seasoned executive with a background in telecommunications, media, and infrastructure, used his maiden address at a press conference in Accra to clarify his new role and outline his vision for the Chamber.
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey noted, “There’s a transition from telecoms to mines, so it’s important to state that the two entities are both private member organizations.”
“The Ghana Chamber of Mines is not a state entity. I have not been appointed with presidential powers from Jubilee House.
“We work closely with government, policy makers, and regulators—but always in the interest of advancing the mining industry.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
Central to Dr. Ashigbey’s agenda is the pursuit of environmentally responsible, transgenerational mining. He stressed the Chamber’s longstanding mission to promote best practices for future generations to benefit from current resource extraction.
“It is important for the Chamber to ensure that—just as we have done historically—we remain responsive in our operations and that mined areas are restored once work is complete.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
He further emphasized that sustainability is not merely a talking point but a core value to be embedded in all facets of the Chamber’s work.
Combating Illegal Mining Through Stakeholder Synergy
Addressing Ghana’s ongoing struggle with illegal mining, also known locally as galamsey, Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the damaging impact of unregulated operations on both the environment and the reputation of the legitimate mining sector.
“The members of the Chamber tend to be at the receiving end of some of the irresponsibility and illegal mining activities.
“There’s an alignment between the Chamber’s values and the broader goal of ensuring Ghana mines sustainably.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
He called on civil society and advocacy groups to intensify their efforts in curbing illegal mining.
“I’m hoping that my colleagues in the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey will step up and share the responsibility.
“We cannot do this alone. We need shared ownership in the fight against illegal mining.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
Vision for Green Mining
Looking ahead, Dr. Ashigbey aimed to use his tenure to strengthen advocacy and deepen collaboration with all players in the mining ecosystem—from communities and regulators to investors and civil society organizations.
“If anything, I’m hoping that we will be in a better position to improve our sustainable and green mining initiatives, particularly by leveraging the Chamber as a vehicle to enhance our engagement with major stakeholders.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
This includes scaling up initiatives that promote green technologies, capacity building for artisanal and small-scale miners, and accelerating reforms that align Ghana’s mining sector with international environmental standards.
Dr. Ashigbey brings with him a wealth of leadership experience that spans several sectors. He previously held executive roles in media, telecommunications, and engineering.
His multidisciplinary background is expected to drive innovation in the Chamber’s operations, with particular emphasis on data-driven decision-making and cross-sector collaboration.
His appointment is widely viewed as a strategic step to rejuvenate the Chamber’s public image and to elevate its role as a thought leader in the mining industry.
Dr. Ashigbey takes the helm at a time when Ghana is reassessing its mineral governance frameworks to better align with sustainable development goals.
His leadership is expected to guide the Chamber through pressing industry transformations, including mineral traceability, transparency in gold trade, and enhanced community engagement.
As Ghana navigates the socio-environmental complexities of the mining sector, the appointment of Dr. Ashigbey is being met with cautious optimism from both industry observers and environmental advocates.
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